SCHOOL CHILDREN AND COMPULSORY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

The Times of India has reported today [12/12/2014] that the Union human resource development ministry wanted to celebrate the birthdays of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Hindu Mahasabha leader Madan Mohan Malaviya by observing “good governance day” on December 25.

As a matter of fact, CBSE schools may have to remain open on 25 December, a national holiday.

After all, nobody makes any objection to the initiative of the Government to celebrate "national heroes".

In fact, such celebrations in the form of essay writing and so on would be fruitful only when they are conducted during working days.

Let's not silently impose any burdensome ideology on young minds in the name of ‘celebration.’

In the name of "remembrance" let's not try to add unbearable cognitive load to young minds when they enjoy holidays with their parents.

Catching them young and making them to celebrate "birthdays" forcefully, may not be an ideal one in a liberal democracy.

Please avoid indoctrinating the young minds through compulsory celebration. This is merely a wastage of time and energy.